Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 60,000 IU is a high-dose, orally administered, fat-soluble vitamin supplement used primarily for the rapid correction of severe vitamin D deficiency. It is a prohormone that undergoes two hydroxylations in the body to become the active hormone calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol). In the Indian context, it is a cornerstone therapy due to the high prevalence of deficiency linked to dietary habits, skin pigmentation, and limited sun exposure.
Adult: For Deficiency Correction: 60,000 IU once weekly for 8-12 weeks, followed by a maintenance dose of 60,000 IU once monthly or 1000-2000 IU daily. For Osteoporosis: 60,000 IU once monthly, often co-prescribed with calcium and an anti-resorptive agent.
Note: Take orally with the largest meal of the day, preferably one containing dietary fat (e.g., milk, curd, nuts, oil) to enhance absorption. Capsule/softgel can be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew. Maintain adequate dietary calcium intake (approx. 1000-1200 mg/day).
Vitamin D3 is a prohormone. It is converted to 25(OH)D in the liver and then to the active form, 1,25(OH)2D (calcitriol), in the kidneys. Calcitriol binds to the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR), a nuclear receptor. The VDR-ligand complex heterodimerizes with the Retinoid X Receptor (RXR) and binds to Vitamin D Response Elements (VDREs) in the promoter regions of target genes, regulating their transcription.
Pregnancy: Category C (US FDA). Vitamin D crosses the placenta. Deficiency is common and should be treated, but high-dose (60,000 IU) regimens are not standard in pregnancy. Use lower daily doses (e.g., 1000-2000 IU/day) as per obstetric guidelines. High doses can cause fetal hypercalcemia.
Driving: No known effects on driving ability.
| Thiazide Diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide) | Increased risk of hypercalcemia due to reduced renal calcium excretion. | Major |
| Orlistat, Bile Acid Sequestrants (Cholestyramine) | Reduced absorption of fat-soluble Vitamin D. | Moderate |
| Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine | Induce hepatic CYP450 enzymes, increasing metabolism of Vitamin D to inactive compounds, reducing efficacy. | Moderate |
| Systemic Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisolone) | Antagonize Vitamin D action, reducing calcium absorption. | Moderate |
| Cardiac Glycosides (Digoxin) | Hypercalcemia potentiates digoxin toxicity, increasing risk of arrhythmias. | Major |
| Lithium | Vitamin D may increase lithium levels and toxicity risk; monitor lithium levels. | Moderate |
| Calcium Supplements | Concomitant high-dose use increases risk of hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria. | Moderate |
Same composition (Vitamin D3 (60000IU)), different brands: